Hijabtrendz featured in Turkey!

We are pleased to announced Hijabtrendz was recently interviewed by fashion writer Elif Kavacki of Zaman newspaper in Turkey. The article appeared today on the front page of the paper and you can read it here in its original format.

Her mom is an American who converted to Islam when she was in University. Her Father is from Lebanon. Mariam is a role model to young muslim girls in America. Thousands of girls follow her from her web blog hijabtrendz.com. On her website and facebook she provides valuable information that can make their daily lives practical. Scarf styles, suggestions on putting outfits together, as well as stories about successful Muslim women. We discussed her blog, her work, her accomplishments and hijabi fashion.

I was on maternity leave with my first baby and was so frustrated when trying to find clothes that looked good with hijab. Everything was so ugly and I hated going to the store trying to find things to match and layer. I thought what if I had a website that could help people figure out where the best clothes and deals were ahead of time? And maybe others could share their ideas? Eventually Hijabtrendz evolved to cover other topics like beauty, entertainment, health etc. So it’s more of a women’s magazine online.

I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer and I found that journalism was one way I could get into the field. It was more acceptable for a Muslim woman to have a job as a journalist than an actress, so I decided to take that route. I have my bachelors degree in speech communication and my masters in journalism. I’ve worked in radio broadcasting although my primary field of study was television journalism.
But in the last few years I’ve pursued my dreams and I do acting as a hobby and use my skills in media to produce my own videos and podcasts. the podcasts provide information on putting outfits together, different styles of wearing hijab, health, cooking, beauty and cultural discussions. You can also watch us on youtube.

I think Muslim women in the U.S. are starting to become more confident about hijab and are finding very unique ways to dress in the latest fashion and trends while still wearing their hijab. I’m also seeing this happening overseas.

Regarding Turkish Hijab fashion I think it’s glamorous and very chic. I wish that we could figure out how the Turkish women get their scarves to look so perfect!

You are a very versatile person. You have trained in classical voice, you write songs, you are a Muslim Women’s Style Writer on Examiner, you have separate blogs on twitter and face book. How do you manage all this with two small kids?

You have an amazing CV at a very young age. As a journalist you have met important political figures such as Obama and George Bush, you have worked in prestigous chanells in Chicago. Could you tell our readers a little about your professional background?

I was the only Muslim woman with hijab. Obama was very genuine and nice, probably because he understands Islam better than others (american politicians). You can sometimes tell how genuine someone is by the time they take to answer your question or if they just try to run and hide and treat you rudely.

I covered President George W. Bush when he visited the area a few times during a press conference. It’s very scheduled. There was alot of security. There is a list of journalists that are decided on ahead of time. My name was on the list to represent the station. They do a strict background check on all journalists ahead of time.

I’m putting together a new video that showcases a hijab fashion outfit and how to match your hijab to it with step by step instructions on how to put it together. I’m also planning to start up the podcasts again and get some exclusive interviews with big name Muslim celebrities.

As a professional I would like to use my skills to put together my own show for regular television. My goal is to show to the American media that Muslim women, especially those who wear hijab, can be anything they want.

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This article has 19 comments

Hey Mariam, just thought I’d give you a hand and translate the above comment for you since you don’t now Turkish. Serap says she really likes your blog but she thinks you should know that the hijabtrendz logo at the top of the website isn’t working, as in when you click it it doesn’t go to the main page as it should.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!good job..I really impressed Mariam!!!i red your interview on Zaman!!And i visited your blog,it’s very useful for woman.espacially Podcasts..i am listening to your podcast and i will go on to listen!!Thanks for your hard working for Muslim woman!!!

Thank you all for your comments, I really appreciate it. If it wasn’t for your support and for the fact that you give me such motivation to come back everyday and write I wouldn’t be able to keep this up 🙂

Thank you to the Turkish readers for coming here, and I’m sorry I don’t speak Turkish 🙁 .. I’ll have to learn lol!

Mashalla Mariam. Well done! I found this to be very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed reading it. May your hopes and dreams be realized, Inshallah, you are one in a million because as you investigate, dicover and learn, you take so many of us with you on that journey and we are better for it. Thank you!

I’m writing from Turkey,read your interview on yesterday’s Zaman.Nice website..I understand by all means why you need to do a job like this.by the way my sis also wears the hijab swimsuit that I saw on your home page. She is satisfied with it except some part of her face isn’t able to be tanned because of head part.:) Anyway good luck to you.